TRANSPORT

Written Answer (Correction)

Jim Fitzpatrick: Subsequent to a written answer I gave on 6 October 2008, to a parliamentary question on road safety, I would like to inform the House that further investigation has revealed additional information.
	The response to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans)—(Question 222961), 6 October 2008, OfficialReport, columns 212-213W—should read as follows:
	The elements of the 2008-09 budget for DFT and its executive agencies which cover road safety related matters amount to £3,867 million. This includes an estimate of the proportion of Highways Agency expenditure deemed to be for road safety. It does not include all local authority spending on road safety.
	It is not possible to identify a highly accurate budget figure for road safety, as spending often serves multiple purposes.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Financial Assistance Scheme

Rosie Winterton: My noble friend Lord McKenzie of Luton has made the following statement:
	Since 17 July 2008 qualifying members of schemes eligible for assistance through the Financial Assistance Scheme have been able to access their assistance from up to five years before their normal retirement age where they are unable to work due to ill health. These payments are actuarially reduced for early payment so that the overall value of the amounts they will receive over their expected lifetime is maintained.
	We are today beginning consultation on a set of draft regulations which would allow qualifying members who are aged over 55, whether within five years of their normal retirement age or not, to access FAS assistance early, without actuarial reduction, where they have a serious illness that significantly reduces their life expectancy.
	The consultation will end on Wednesday, 3 December. A limited written consultation period is appropriate for these draft regulations as they follow from comments made in earlier consultation and reflect discussions with key stakeholders. This will enable us to increase people's payments as soon as possible.
	The consultation documents are available on the Department's website at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2008/ or alternatively on the FAS website at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/fas. Copies will be placed in the House Library.